Deion Sanders Goes to 3rd-String QB Staub as CFB Fans Applaud Decision in Colorado Win

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes secured a bounce-back win behind third-string quarterback Ryan Staub, who impressed fans by throwing for two touchdowns on 7-of-10 passing for 157 yards.

Following last week's 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech — a game in which starter Kaidon Salter struggled to get the offense going — Sanders made a bold decision to turn to Staub just before halftime. The sophomore made an immediate impact, leading a scoring drive capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Dekalon Taylor that gave Colorado a 17-7 lead at the break.

The Buffaloes opened the second half with a bang. Staub connected with Sincere Brown for a 71-yard touchdown on a three-play, 1:14 drive to extend the lead to 24-7. After punting for the first time at the end of the third quarter, Staub found running back Micah Welch for another score early in the fourth, pushing the lead to a commanding 31-7. Salter re-entered the game to finish it out.

Fans applauded Sanders' decision to trust his third-string quarterback to jump-start the offense.

The decision to roll with Staub came after a brief look at second-string true freshman Julian Lewis, who entered Saturday's game but was quickly pulled after just over one possession. Lewis completed 2-of-4 passes for eight yards and rushed for minus-8 yards on limited attempts.

Salter, who returned later in the game, went 13-of-16 for 102 yards with no passing touchdowns but contributed on the ground with 25 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Colorado will have a short week, traveling to Houston to face the Cougars on Friday.